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Hardware Startup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Picogrid

Head of Hardware

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$220K - $270K/yr

About the Role As the Head of Hardware at Picogrid, you will be the foundational technical leader ... Preferred past founding or early stage fast-growth startup experience. * Ability to work with ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Hayward, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

San Francisco, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Sonoma, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Mundelein, IL · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

San Mateo, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Alameda, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Fremont, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

San Jose, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MIRA

Head of Hardware Operations

Santa Rosa, CA · On-site

You've been a founder, CTO, or hardware lead at a hardware startup * You've taken a consumer electronics product from prototype to production * You've worked in wearables, AR/VR, or high-tech ...

MatX

Hardware System Diagnostic Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$175K - $450K/yr

We are looking for a Diagnostic Engineer to join our Hardware System team. The successful candidate ... Self-directed and effective in a fast-moving, low-overhead startup environment * Strong ...

MRINetwork Jobs

Director of Production

Seattle, WA

Autonomous Vehicles | Hardware Startup Overview Our client is building next-generation autonomous ground vehicles designed to operate in complex, real-world environments. As a fast-growing hardware ...

Furientis

Head of Supply Chain

Los Angeles, CA

$196K - $222K/yr

This is a hands-on role at a fast-moving aerospace hardware startup where supply chain is tightly integrated with engineering execution. You'll work closely with engineers to manage BOMs, track part ...

Eridu AI

Senior Hardware Engineer

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$210K - $265K/yr

About Eridu Eridu is a Silicon Valley-based hardware startup pioneering infrastructure solutions that accelerate AI data centers to deliver Faster AI. Today's AI performance is frequently limited by ...

Starpath

Lead Engineer - Space Solar Hardware

Hawthorne, CA · On-site

$160K - $200K/yr

Startup / small-team environment experience * Experience preparing hardware for environmental qualification (TVAC/vibe/radiation planning) Compensation & Benefits * Location: Los Angeles (Hawthorne ...

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Hardware Startup information

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How much do hardware startup jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for hardware startup in the United States is $24.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a hardware startup?

A hardware startup is a company focused on designing, developing, and bringing to market physical products or devices that typically incorporate electronics, mechanics, or related technologies. These startups often work on innovative consumer gadgets, industrial equipment, or connected devices (IoT). The process usually involves prototyping, manufacturing, and scaling production, which can present unique challenges compared to purely software-based startups. Hardware startups require expertise in product design, engineering, supply chain management, and may need significant capital for manufacturing and distribution.

What are some common challenges faced by team members working at a hardware startup, and how can they be addressed?

Team members at hardware startups often encounter challenges such as tight development timelines, limited resources, and the need to iterate quickly on physical prototypes. Collaboration between engineers, designers, and supply chain specialists is essential to ensure that the product moves efficiently from concept to production. Open communication, flexibility, and a willingness to take on varied responsibilities are key to overcoming these challenges and driving the company’s success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Hardware Startup Founder, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Hardware Startup Founder, you need a solid background in engineering, product development, and business strategy, often supported by relevant degrees or entrepreneurial experience. Familiarity with CAD software, rapid prototyping tools, supply chain management systems, and fundraising platforms is typically essential. Leadership, resilience, and effective communication are standout soft skills for successfully guiding teams and building partnerships. These competencies are crucial for navigating technical challenges, attracting investment, and bringing innovative hardware products to market.

What is the difference between Hardware Startup vs Hardware Engineer?

AspectHardware Startup

AspectHardware Startup

Hardware Startup professionals focus on developing new hardware products from concept to prototype, often working in small teams or startups with a flexible environment. Hardware Engineers typically work within established companies, focusing on designing, testing, and maintaining hardware components. Both roles require technical skills in electronics and engineering, but Hardware Startups emphasize innovation and product development, while Hardware Engineers prioritize reliability and manufacturing processes.

More about Hardware Startup jobs
What cities are hiring for Hardware Startup jobs? Cities with the most Hardware Startup job openings:
What states have the most Hardware Startup jobs? States with the most job openings for Hardware Startup jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Hardware Startup jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Hardware Startup jobs are:
Hardware Startup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Hardware Startup job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,154 per year, or $24.6 per hour.
Head of Hardware

Head of Hardware

Picogrid

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$220K - $270K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Who we are
Picogrid is a leading venture-backed defense technology company founded to bridge the decades-long gap between modern technology and the critical demands of national security. Today, we're building the essential infrastructure to unify sensors, autonomy, and operators with our technology deployed in active operations around the world. Our mission is to deliver an operational advantage to secure the United States and its allies.
About the Role
As the Head of Hardware at Picogrid, you will be the foundational technical leader responsible for defining, building, and scaling our entire hardware engineering function. You will lead the "cradle to grave" development of Picogrid's physical products, with a hard focus on generalist hardware engineering, end-to-end design ownership across all disciplines, industrial design, and delivering best-in-class consumer product experiences. This is a highly demanding, hands-on role for a true generalist and leader ready to stand up a world-class department from the ground up. Work with a team of hardworking, ambitious, world-leading talent to build the future of unmanned system behavior orchestration.
Responsibilities
  • Lead the comprehensive hardware development lifecycle from initial concept and architecture through mass production.
  • Architect and execute all technical aspects of electrical and embedded systems, including circuit design, PCB design and layout, component selection, and system integration.
  • Architect and execute all technical aspects of mechanical and industrial design, including CAD, FEA, structural analysis, thermal analysis, DFMA, and GD&T.
  • Participate in defining engineering process standards, part numbering and revision systems, vendor relationships, R&D of supply chain, and design philosophy.
  • Define and implement the necessary design tools and methodologies for embedded design, ensuring a modern and efficient generalist hardware skillset across the team.
  • Act as the primary interface between Engineering, and Manufacturing, ensuring a product-minded approach that balances technical requirements with user experience and aesthetic quality.
  • Set the technical bar and drive a culture of being fast, flexible, and prolific, rapidly iterating on prototypes and moving from concept to high-volume production at record speed.
  • Embody and teach how to use intuition, judgement, and domain knowledge to speed up technical decisions and the design process.
  • You will be the founding member of the Hardware Engineering Department, tasked with hiring, mentoring, and leading a high-performing team of hardware engineers.
  • Successfully stand up a fully operational Hardware Engineering Department, deliver the next generation of our consumer-focused physical products, and establish the technical infrastructure for long-term product success.
Required Qualifications
  • 5+ years of progressive experience in hardware product development, with significant experience in a hands-on technical lead or director-level role.
  • Preferred past founding or early stage fast-growth startup experience.
  • Ability to work with ambiguity in the managed chaos of a rapidly growing startup.
  • Expert-level proficiency in the full generalist hardware skillset, encompassing PCB design, power electronics, mixed-signal circuit design, firmware integration, CAD, mechanical/thermal engineering, industrial design, and manufacturing.
  • Proven experience in taking at least two distinct products through the entire development lifecycle, from initial concept to high-volume manufacturing.
  • Deep knowledge of DFMA (Design for Manufacturability and Assembly) and supply chain management for consumer electronics.
  • Demonstrated expertise with Altium and Onshape software suites. Familiarity with Arena PLM.
  • Passion for designing beautiful products.
  • Exceptional leadership, communication, and collaboration skills, with a clear ability to articulate technical strategy to executive leadership.
  • Core values or relentless execution, boundless ambition, continued learning, and kindness. Low ego and open-mindedness.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience as a former founder or founding engineer at a successful, fast-moving hardware startup, demonstrating the capacity for standing up a department or discipline from zero.
  • Strong portfolio of successful products with a hard focus on industrial design and consumer product experience.
  • Experience managing or leading product development efforts that are highly iterative, complex, and require an open-minded and flexible approach to problem-solving.
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related technical field. (Degree not required).
  • A track record of being prolific and delivering rapid, high-quality results in a resource-constrained and fast-paced environment.

Compensation & Benefits
  • Base salary range: $220,000- $270,000 per year. Base salary is just one part of your total compensation package at Picogrid.
  • Significant stock options with a high potential upside as an early-stage company
  • 401(k) with employer matching
  • Full health coverage (medical, dental, and vision insurance)
  • Relocation assistance provided (if applicable)
  • Unlimited PTO (two-week minimum) and 11 paid holidays per year
  • Paid parental leave for both parents
  • Lunch provided when working in-office and a fully stocked kitchenette

Export Control Requirements
To conform to U.S. Government export regulations, applicant must be a (i) U.S. citizen or national, (ii) U.S. lawful, permanent resident (aka green card holder), (iii) Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157, or (iv) Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158, or be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.
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Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
Picogrid is committed to providing a professional work environment free from discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. We are an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.

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